Florida Gators enter offseason with promising wide receivers

Florida Gators football

GAINESVILLE — Offensive coordinator Steve Addazio didn't want to get overzealous after Saturday's Orange and Blue Game, but his feeling was pretty obvious.

He likes his wide receivers. A lot.

"You see it. I see it," said Addazio about the promise at the position. "It's not hard to see it."

Here's what we saw: Promise. After last year's attack often became one-dimensional since only a few receivers could be trusted, this year's group must win by committee and John Brantley spraying the ball all over the field.

But many receivers made plenty of progress during the four weeks of spring practice. Carl Moore, who finished with a game-high 130 yards between Orange and Blue teams on Saturday, has been making big plays all spring. His future looked uncertain after missing two practices for personal reasons, but his ability on the field made everybody notice.

Andre Debose is not 100 percent, but he's shown glimpses of his immense talent.

Deonte Thompson has taken the responsibility of a No. 1 receiver this spring, showing reliable hands, the ability to make the acrobatic play (see: first play from scrimmage in spring game, a 47-yarder with cornerback draped over him) and the leadership to encourage young wide receivers.

Frankie Hammond and Omarius Hines, who had trouble making an impact in 2009, provide depth for the Gators. Hines can play all three receiver positions.

Chris Rainey will be an asset on the short to intermediate routes out of the slot. Other receivers include T.J. Lawrence, Justin Williams, Robert Clark, Solomon Patton and Stephen Alli.

Addazio calls his receiver crew "dynamic," and he's satisfied with his depth for once. Now the challenge is seeing which players can transfer their momentum into the fall. Many players look great in April but ride the bench in September.

"We played Tennessee last year with a skeletal receiver crew," Addazio said. "We were afraid to throw the ball vertically. I remember that game. We had to run the darn ball. I feel we have some depth outside we can balance this thing out. That's important."

Keep an eye on Hammond making a move this fall. After talking with wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni numerous times this spring, Hammond's a guy he raves about maybe more than anyone.

"I can't say enough about him," Azzanni said. "What a tough kid, he knows all the positions, he can play anything we want. He shuts his mouth, works his tail off. He's the kind of guys that we like around here. He's going to be a big, big part of this offense."